Cartridge belt link



June 14, 1949. A. F. GAxDos 2,472,817

CARTRIDGE BELT LINK Filed April 4, 194e .'j A 420 /Z Se@ 2 Patented June 14, 1949 Alonzo F, Gaidos, Redwood City, Calif., assigner to, the United States of America as represented by the Secretary ot War Application 4', 1946, Serial No. 659,639:

(Cl.y 8-9-35 (Granted imd'er the act at March 3, 1883, as amended April' 3.0,` 1928i; 370' 0. G. *7575)v Claims.V

l The invention described herein may be manufactured and" used by or vfor the Government for governmental purposes, without the payment tol me or any royalty thereoninvention relates to an ammunition belt and more particularly' to improvedl construction ofA the links that are assembled with cartridges to f'orm the belt.

The invention relates svpeciiicaliy to that type oi"y ammunition belt' in which a lseries` of' like links are articulately connected by a series of cartridges to provide anaminmaition beltof the dis-integrate ing type. Each link comprises a body having a single connecting loop at one side thereof andi apair of coaxial-'ly spaced apart' cartridge-receiving" loops at the other sidethereof onan aXi'sparalleI-ing the axis of the single or connect-- ing; loop. The spaced apart lioops receive 0.o-- airiallyj therebetween the sing-le loop of an adij'acent link', andv a cartridge passed' through the loops thus aligned serves asa p-i-ntle and@ articuia'ttly interconnects a pair of adjacent links; A series of simi-lar' connections areI made and a beltl ofl substantial length is thusmade up. In the feeding' or' the beit-through a weapon' such as a machine gun, the cartridges' areV individually removed from the belt by the mechanism and red. The belt disintegrates as* individual links are progressively` disconnected asthe ammunition is being expended in With regard' to the feeding oli' an ammunition belt to a machine gun and the extraction and firing' of cartridges therein, there are two basic types of weapons: in one the cartridgev is first extracted byI being pulfied rearwardly from the Belt and is then moved forwardly intothe gunch-amber. In they other, the cartridge is simul'- taneously pushed forwardly through the beit and into the chamberof the gun. In isi-reformer type of it is common to employl an ammunition-'f belt-madeup-ot links in which ali the Toeps are substantialiy compietel-y circular; In the latter type weapon, the links comprising the belt have loops vthat are arcs of slightlyl more than 180, The'inventionis concerned" primarily with an ammunition belt ofthe latter type.

lIt is a characteristic of this type of ammunition belt that the-links are adaptable- For use in either of the types of Weaponsrefei-'red to above. links of" this type, certain problems arise with respect to the location of the cartridges in the beit. For example, the cartridges must be axially parallel' and their base and nose, portions must respectively aligned. ln-accuracyiin theV loadc-i theA beit' iin-.either of the foregoing respects 2 causes interference withthe feeding' mechanism of the weapon and-I this results in serious stoppages that prevent firing. It has been the practice heretofore to provide locati-ng means on the links to assist i-ndenn-ingthe properI loca,N tion oi' the cartridges axial-ly with respect! to` the links. Such means usuallyconsists` oi? a locating nger or portion :form-ed on one or both of the double or cartridgehholding loops; Hott-1 ever, it has been found-that such-means ordinarily' interfere with extractionor the cartridge, whetherl such extraction' berearwandlp` by puliingor forwardly byr pushing'.

It is accord-inglya principal obect of the press-- ont invention to provide a belt li-nkj hav-ing.` im! proved cartridgedocatmg means and specifica-ily)y to provide such meansthat is capable of ac-l cu-ratel-y locating the cartridge in the? link and: yet will not adverselyeftect the extracting-function of the weapon.

It is an important. object: of the invention to.- provide the cartridgeelocating means on the,v

single loop of the lin-k and' thus to accomplisha1v locating means that hasi increased cartridgeholding capacity andl also increased resiliency that permits easy extraction of the cartridge.

The invention has for a further object: thek provision of such cartridge-Iocating means con--` str-ucted and arranged to ove-rite andl bridgeone of thev double loops of an adjacentA link when ther belt is assembled.

Still another object of the invention is to pro-- vide locati-ng means as defined above,- n condurretion with a belt link having external circumferential reinforcing ribs and to provide; the lo. cati-ng means in such a. manner as to accorm modate one of the double loops of an adacent; link without interfering with the free flexibility of the assembled belt'.

And' still another object of the, invention is to provide two formsy of belt link', in one lof-'Which the locating means cooperates with' a. rear orV base portion, preferably the extractingr groove, of' a cartridge to assistI in locating the cartridge in the link; and in.r another of which. the loto-itin@` means ext-ends forwardly" and cooperatea with the shoulder cone atthe neck or the cartridge to provide a seat that' defines the position of` the cartridge in the link'.

A complete understanding of the foregoing and other desirable objects; and features of; the invention may be obtained from the. following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingsheet of drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is. a planviewy of a: portion oianammuni.

3 tion belt embodying a link constructed according to one preferred form of the invention in which the locating means seats in the extracting groove of the cartridge.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken longitudinally through a pair of adjacent links as viewed along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but showing that form of the invention in which the locating means cooperates with a forward portion of the cartridge;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken longitudinally through a pair of adjacent links as viewed along the line 4 4 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5 is an end view of the Fig. 3 link per se` Fig. 6 is a plan view of the Fig. 1 link per se.

The ammunition belt of Fig. 1 is made up of a plurality of like links I0, each of which is provided with a single hinge or connecting loop II formed at one side of an intermediate body or bridge portion I2. A pair of coaxially spaced apart cartridge-holding loops I3 and I4 is formed integral with and disposed at the other side of the body I2 on an axis paralleling the axis of the loop II. munition belt is assembled from a plurality of links I0, the single or hinge loop II of one link is positioned coaxially between the double loops I3 and I4 of an adjacent link. A cartridge I5, illustrated diagrammatically through the three loops II, I3 and I4. Each of the loops I3 and I4 substantially tightly and resiliently grips the cartridge case. The loop II is formed so that it grips the cartridge case relatively loosely to provide a hinge or pintle for free pivotal movement between adjacent links that contributes to the desired iiexibility of the entire belt. In a preferred form of the invention, the loop I3 is reinforced by a pair of axially spaced, external, circumferential ribs I5 and the loop I4 is similarly reinforced by a pair of similar ribs I1. The reinforcement contributes to the capacity of the loops I3 and I4 for gripping the case of the cartridge I5.

The loops Il, I3 and I4 are of the so-called open type, and the arcuate extent of each is relatively slightly greater than 180, reference being had t-o the illustration in Fig.5. Links of this type are adapted for use in weapons of either of the types heretofore referred to and carry cartridges for extraction either rearwardly by pulling or forwardly by pushing.

In order that the cartridges may be loaded accurately into the assembled belt, each link I0 is provided with means for defining the axial extent to which a cartridge will be inserted through the link loops. According to the form of invention shown in Fig. 1, the cartridge-locating means comprises a rearwardly extending locating finger I8 provided at its free or rear end with a crimped portion I9 shaped to fit the extracting groove of the cartridge I5. In Fig. 1 the extracting groove is indicated by the numeral 20. As best shown in Fig. 2, the locating finger I8 is provided intermediate its ends with a pair of axially spaced transverse grooves 2|, preferably formed as indentations in the nger, serving to accommodate or interfit with the external circumferential ribs I6 on the link I3. The structure of the locating finger I8 is such that it extends between the single loop II and the extracting groove 20 in the cartridge I5, overlying or bridging the loop I3 of an adjacent link III. the single loop Il, longer than would be the Since the finger I8 is located on it can be made substantially case had it been located As shown in Fig. 1, when the amin Fig. 1, is passed on the loop I3. The finger thus has greater cartridge-engaging effectiveness and increased resiliency. Both of these features are important: the first because it is essential that the cartridge be accurately located in the link, and the second because it is just as essential that there be no unnecessary interference with the extraction of the cartridge.

The ammunition belt made up of the links shown in Fig. 3 comprises a plurality of links 30, each of which has a body or bridge portion 3I formed at one side thereof with an integral, single, connecting or hinge loop 32 and at the other side thereof with a pair of coaxially spaced apart cartridge-holding loops 33 and 34. The loops 33 and 34 are respectively sim'lar to the loops I3 and I4 of the link lof Fig. 1 and are respectively provided with a pair of external circumferential reinforcing'ribs 35 and ribs 3B. The single loop 32 is similar to the loop II of the link of Fig. 1 but differs therefrom with respect to the positioning and functioning of the cartridge-locating means. The numeral 31 in Figs. 3 and 4 designates a cartridge having a rear or base portion formed with an extracting groove 38 and a forward or neck portion having a frusto-conical shoulder 33. The locating means on the link 30 comprises a forwardly extending finger 40 preferably formed integral with the single connecting loop 32 and extending forwardly therefrom for a distance sufficient to overlie or bridge the forward loop 34 of an adjacent link. The free forward end of the nger 40 is bent downwardly as at 4I and cooperates with the shoulder cone 39 of the cartridge 31 to define the axial extent to which the cartridge 31 is to be inserted in the belt. The nger 40 is formed intermediate its ends with a pair of axially spaced transverse grooves 42 that accommodate or interfit with the circumferential ribs on the forward loop 34 and the function thereof is the salme as that of the grooves 2l on the finger I8 of the Fig. 1 link.

Because of the increased length and the ridges 42 obtained in the finger 40 by virtue of its location on the single loop 32, the finger has greater cartridge-locating effectiveness and has increased resiliency that permits free extraction of the cartridge 31.

In the case of either of the forms of link illustrated herein, extraction of the cartridge can be made either forwardly or rearwardly. When extraction is accomplished forwardly by pushing the cartridge from the belt shown in Fig. 1, there is no interference between the locating finger I8 and the cartridge, once the cartridge has been moved axially forward. In the event that the cartridge I5 is extracted rearwardly by pulling, the increased resiliency of the finger I8 obtained by mounting the finger on the single loop I1 precludes the possibility that undesired interference with extraction will occur. The same general conclusions apply with respect to the belt structure shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

With respect to either form of the invention herein disclosed, it will be seen that an improved cartridge belt link has been provided and that such link incorporates features of construction and function that adapt either link for use in weapons in which extraction of the cartridges is either forwardly by pushing or rearwardly by pulling. It will be appreciated of course that only preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described and that numerous modifications and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as dened in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an ammunition belt of the type made up of a series of like links articulately interconnected by a series of cartridges, a belt link comprising a body, a single cartridge-receiving loop on the ybody at one side thereof, a pair of cartridge-receiving loops on the body at the other side thereof and spaced apart coaxially on an axis paralleling the axis of the single loop a distance slightly greater than the axial width of said single loop to receive coaxially therebetween the single loop of an adjacent similar link, means on at least one of the loops of the pair of loops forming an external circumferential rib, and means on the single loop for locating a cartridge received by the single loop and the cooperating pair of loops of an adjacent similar link, the means including a finger member projecting in a, generally axial direction from the single loop and including a portion formed to engage a cartridge, the member being constructed and arranged to bridge @one of the loops of the pair of loops on an adjacent similar link and including lmeans forming a circumferentially directed groove or recess to accommodate the external rib on the aforesaid one of the pair of loops on the adjacent link.

`2. In an ammunition belt of the type made up of a series of like links articulately interconnected by a series of cartridges, a belt link comprising a body, a single cartridge-receiving loop on the Ibody at one side thereof, a pair of cartridgereceiving loops on the body at the other side thereof and spaced apart coaxially on an axis paralleling the axis of the single loop a distance slightly greater than the axial width of said single loop to receive coaxially between them the single loop of an adjacent similar link, and means on the single loop for locating a cartridge received lby the single loop and the pair of loops of an adjacent similar link, the means including a nger member projecting in a generally axial direction from the single loop and including a portion formed to engage a cartridge, the member being constructed and arranged to bridge one of the loops of the pair of loops on an adjacent similar link.

3. In an ammunition belt of the type made up of a series of like links articulately interconnected Aby a series of cartridges that have rear or base portions and front or neck portions, a belt link comprising a body, a single cartridge-receiving loop on the body at one side thereof, a pair of cartridge-receiving loops on the body at the other side thereof and spaced apart coaxially on an axis paralleling the axis of the single loop a distance slightly greater than the axial width of said single loop to receive coaxially therebetween the single loop o-f an adjacent similar link, and means on the single loop for locating a cartridge received by the single loop and the pair of loops of an adjacent similar link, the means including a nger member projecting axially in a generally axial direction from the single loop and including a portion formed to positively engage the extracting groove of a received cartridge the linger member being constructed and arranged to bridge an adjacent one of the loops of the pair of loops on an adjacent similar link, and means forming a circumferentially directed groove or recess on said member to accommodate at least a portion of the said adjacent loop to position same axially While permitting relative articulation of said adjacent loops.

4. In an ammunition belt of the type made up of a series of like links articulately interconnected by a series of cartridges that have extracting grooves at their rear or base portions, a belt link comprising a body, a single cartridge-receiving loop on the body at one side thereof, a pair of cartridge-receiving loops on the body at the other side thereof spaced apart coaxially on an axis paralleling the axis of the single loop a distance slightly greater than the axial width of said single loop to receive coaxially therebetween the single loop of an adjacent similar link, means on at least the rearward one of the loops of the pair of loops forming an external circumferential rib, means on the single loop for locating a cartridge received by the single loop and the pair of loops of an adjacent similar link, the means including a nger member projecting rearwardly in a generally axial direction from the single loop and including a portion formed to engage the extracting groove of a cartridge, the member being constructed and arranged to bridge the rearward one of the loops of the pair of loops on an adjacent similar link, and means forming a circumferentially directed groove or recess in the member to accommodate the external rib on the rear- Ward loop on the adjacent link.

5. In an ammunition belt of the type made up of a series of like links, articulately interconnected by a series of cartridges that have extracting grooves at their rear or base portions and tapered shoulders at their front or neck portions, a belt link comprising a body, a single cartridgereceiving loop on the body at one side thereof, a pair of cartridge-receiving loops on the body at the other side thereof spaced apart coaxially on an axis paralleling the axis of the single loop a distance slightly greater than the axial width of said single loop to receive coaxially therebetween the single loop of an adjacent similar link, means on at least the forward one of the loops of the pair of loops forming an external circumferential rib, means fon the single loop for locating a cartridge received by the single loop and the pair of loops of an adjacent similar link, the means including a finger member projecting forwardly in a generally axial direction from the single loop and including a portion formed to engage the tapered shoulder portion of a cartridge, the member being constructed and arranged to bridge the forward one of the loops of the pair of loops on an adjacent similar link, and means forming a. circumferentially directed groove or recess in the finger to accommodate the external rib on the forward loop of the adjacent link.

ALONZO F. GAIDOS.

REFERENCES CITED The following referenlces are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,343,060 Prideaux June 8, 1920 2,317,973 Balleisen May 4, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTSy Number Country Date 122,715 Great Britain Feb. 6, 1919 161,830 Great Britain Apr. 21, 1921 492,859 France Apr. 5, 1919 831,162 France May 30, 1938 

